Warrington beat Hull KR to set up semi against Leeds as Hiku sees red

Tries: Currie (4), Ashton (39,43,60), Hopoate (64), King (79) Conversions: Irwin (5,61,65,80) Penalties: Irwin (12) Drop-Goals: Williams (75)

Tries: Burgess (36), Hadley (53) Conversions: Mourgue (37,55)

Warrington vs Hull K R Super League 5:30pm Saturday 19th September

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Warrington Wolves set up a Super League semi-final with Leeds Rhinos after a 35-12 victory over reigning champions Hull KR in their eliminator showdown at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.

It marks Warrington's first semi-final since 2024 after they missed out on the play-offs in 2025.

It also means Willie Peters' tenure as Robins head coach is now over after his reign which featured the history-making season in 2025 in which he won the Super League for the club for the first time.

The flashpoint of the game came early in the second half when Peta Hiku saw red for a punch on George Williams and the player advantage for Warrington eventually became too much for Hull KR to contend with.

Warrington had a narrow 12-6 lead at half-time thanks to a converted Ben Currie try, Ewan Irwin penalty and Matty Ashton's score. Hull KR hit back through a Joe Burgess wonder-try that was started by Arthur Mourgue to get themselves in the game.

After Hiku's red card, Ashton scored twice more to complete his hat-trick with Albert Hopoate also crossing the whitewash.

Hull KR had gone over through Dean Hadley but it ended up merely a consolation at the full-time whistle, Williams rubbing salt in the wound with a late drop goal and Toby King finishing things off with a try.

Warrington will head to play Leeds on Friday September 25, with kick-off at 8pm live on Sky Sports as they compete for a spot in the Grand Final. Wigan Warriors will then host Wakefield Trinity on Saturday September 26, with kick-off at 5.30pm on Sky Sports , as they bid to complete the final two.

After an early repeat set, it was not long until some eyes-up rugby saw Warrington get the first points on the board. Williams had some incredible vision to send the grubber kick through and while Burgess collected it, he half fumbled, which allowed Currie to collect and go in under the sticks.

Irwin converted and the home team were quickly 6-0 up, much to the delight of a packed-out Halliwell Jones Stadium.

Ill-discipline was costing the Robins and, once again, Warrington turned that into points. Irwin slotted over the penalty for offside and an eight-point lead was in place within 15 minutes.

Tries were then denied for both sides in corner-flying finishes from Ashton and Burgess that looked sublime, but neither winger could get the ball down before being bulldozed into touch.

With four minutes left of the half, the Robins scored a sensational full-length effort started off by a pass from Jack Broadbent to Mourgue who used his step and raced 70 metres before finding Burgess who did the rest. Mourgue converted and there were just two points in it.

That closeness did not last for long, as on the stroke of half-time, Kelepi Tanginoa broke through and found Ashton who used his pace to dive in for his 100th Super League try. Irwin's conversion attempt hit the post, so Warrington walked in with a 12-6 lead after 40 minutes of enthralling rugby league.

The key moment of the game came three minutes into the second half when a suspected punch from Hiku on Williams resulted in a red card. There was not much force in it but he hit the Warrington captain's face and left the Robins with 12 for the remainder.

Warrington made sure to immediately capitalise from it as they sent it out wide for Ashton to finish off his second try. It looked to be a forward pass but was given and so the Wolves were 16-6 up with 35 minutes remaining.

Despite being a player down, Hull KR would not give up and got their reward in the 53rd minute when a breakaway from Burgess was eventually finished by Hadley barrelling over from close range. Mourgue converted to bring the score to 16-12 and we had a game on our hands.

The tension had reached a new level inside Warrington's home but it was alleviated with just a quarter to go. James Bentley came up with a massive interception and Ashton followed to pick up from the play the ball and race away for his hat-trick.

That felt like the crucial score and Warrington then took control as Hopoate went in with a brilliant dive at the corner and Irwin came through clutch for a 16-point lead.

Just to rub salt in the wound, Williams sent over the one-pointer and, with a minute on the clock, King walked through and Irwin wrapped up the 35-12 victory and a spot in the semi-finals.

In the away end, there was extended applause for outgoing head coach Peters and the dynasty he has built. Burgess, meanwhile, celebrated on the pitch with his family as he continues his quest to do something just as monumental for Warrington.

Semi-Final 1 - Friday September 25, Leeds Rhinos vs Warrington Wolves, 8pm KO on Sky Sports

Semi-Final 2 - Saturday 26 September, Wigan Warriors v Wakefield Trinity, 5.30pm KO on Sky Sports

The Super League play-offs are under way, live on Sky Sports, and continues all the way through until the Grand Final from Old Trafford on October 3.